Of course it needs a library

At the moment I am building a house. Not in real life, just in my head, which is a lot cheaper than the real thing, and also a lot of fun, as I can put whatever I want in it, where ever I want. As the WIP is of a gothic flavour, the house is Victorian Gothic Revival. I may have mentioned this already once or twice. I'm still in the stage of deciding what I need. Great Hall and imposing staircase certainly. Conservatory? Yes.  Billiard room, smoking room, breakfast room - possibly. 

One thing that is definite. It will have a library. If there is one thing writers are known for, apart from their habit of collecting notebooks, it's their desire to own one. A proper one. A room, not a few shelves. With lots of books. Lots. And comfortable chairs, possibly a window seat. A fireplace. Maybe a desk. Also possibly a balcony or landing area in a double height room. One thing is not negotiable. It must have a built in ladder. On a rail, that can be moved along to reach items on high shelves. A rolling ladder. Come on, we've all seen Beauty and the Beast. And lusted after that ladder. 

Nel, my heroine, is going to be thrilled when she finds it. It may even distract her from things that are going on in the house that she really should be worried about. I haven't decided yet, except - what could be wrong with a house with a library and a rolling ladder? 

The answer is, quite a lot, but I'm not at that point yet. 

One thing I have been disappointed in during my research into Victorian houses is the idea that the library was the domain of the men of the house. A place for discussion, business and deal making. And probably to consume brandy and cigars, rather than literature?  How very disappointing. Women get relegated to the insipid parlour, presumably to drink tea and do needlework. 

Well, my library is not going to be like that. I'm not relinquishing that rolling ladder, even if whiskery Victorian gentlemen are turning in their graves.